Hyperpigmentation-A Sign of Systemic disease-Skin Disorders

Increased pigmentation of the skin is seen in a number of systemic diseases. In porphyria cutanea tarda, hyperpigmentation occurs on the face and arms, presumably because of the photosensitizing effect of porphyrins. It is accompanied by hirsutism of the face together with skin fragility or blistering of the dorsal hands. There often is laboratory evidence of liver disease. Elevated urine levels of uroporphyrin and coproporphyrin are diagnostic. When skin lesions suggestive of porphyria cutanea tarda are accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms, neurologic problems, or psychiatric changes, stool porphyrins should be obtained to evaluate for the possible presence of variegate porphyria. In Addison’s disease, hyperpigmentation occurs over the entire body, but there is accentuation of the brown color in old scars and in skin creases. The nail beds and the oral mucosa may also become hyperpigmented. Hyperpigmentationin Addison’s disease is due to increased output of pituitary hormones such as melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), both of which are capable of stimulating pigment production. Low semm cortisol levels are present, and the diagnosis is established by the failure of cortisol levels to rise following appropriate adrenal stimulation. In patients whose Addison’s disease occurs as part of a multiglandular deficiency syndrome, vitiligo may also be present. In scleroderma, hyperpigmentation is generalized, but there is accentuation of the brown color on the dorsal surface of the arms and hands. Occasionally, vitiligo-like mantles of hypopigmentation will be interspersed within areas of darkened skin. The mechanism for the pigmentation is unknown. Diagnosis is supported by the concomitant presence of Raynaud’s phenomenon, sclerodactyly, decreased esophageal motility, and, in advanced cases, pulmonary, cardiac, and renal disease. Skin biopsy, to determine the degree of sclerosis, helps to confirm a clinical diagnosis. The generalized hyperpigmentation of hemochromatosis is more slate colored or bronze than brown. Jaundice may also be present. The mucous membranes become hyperpigmented in 20% of patients. The pathogenesis of the pigmentation is unknown. Glucose abnormalities are present, and the diagnosis is confirmed by liver biopsy, which on appropriate staining demonstrates elevated levels of hepatic iron. Hyperpigmentation associated with malignants is most classically found with carcinoma of the lung. The pigmentation occurs because of the MSH-like activity of polypeptides elaborated by such tumors. Generalized melanosis may also be seen with advanced, widespread melanoma, in which case the color is due to the direct production of pigmented compounds by the malignant cells. The pigmentation in acanthosis nigricans, although generalized, is most notable in intertriginous areas where it is accompanied by the presence of densely pigmented, soft velvety ridges. These changes are particularly accentuated on the side of the neck, in the axillae, and in the groin. Increased pigmentation of mucosal surfaces is also often present. The mechanism responsible for the pigmentation is unknown, but increased MSH output is suspected. Acanthosis nigricans is most commonly found as an unimportant aspect of obesity, but its occurrence in children and adults of normal weight should raise a question of associated malignancy. Central nervous system tumors are most often the cause of acanthosis nigricans in children, whereas gastrointestinal tumors are usually found in adults with this condition. Most patients with severe neurofibromatosis show some evidence of generalized hyperpigmentation in addition to the presence of cafe-au-lait patches . Diffuse hyperpigmentation sometimes occurs as a result of chemotherapeutic agents administered to patients with varying types of malignancy. In such situations, pigmented bands on the nails may also be noted.

Lupus Erythematosus-Skin Disorders

Hyperthyroidism. Autoimmune thyroid disease of the hypermetabolic type (Graves disease) is reflected by several visible changes. The skin is soft and moist. Scalp hair is thin in diameter, and evidence of diffuse alopecia may be present. Vitiligo occurs in 5% to 10%, and alopecia areata occurs in 1 % or 2% of the patients. Onycholysis of the fingernails is sometimes seen. Late in the course of the disease a few patients develop a peculiar form of clubbing (thyroid acropachy) or pretibial myxedema. The latter consists of thickened, pebbly, skin-colored plaques over the lower anterior shins. These plaques are usually asymptomatic. Diabetes MellitusPatients with diabetes mellitus may develop a number of cutaneous changes. The yellow plaques of necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum most often located on the anterior shins, are the most distinctive of these changes.Small, hypopigmented, slightly depressed scars (diabetic dermopathy) are also occasionally found on the anterior lower legs. These lesions probably represent obliterative small vessel disease in an area prone to trauma. Bullous lesions somewhat similar in appearance to those of pemphigoid may arise from otherwise normal-appearing skin around the feet and ankles. The cause of these blisters is unknown. Eruptive xanthomas consisting of small, smooth, pink, dome-shaped papules may appear in a sudden shower of lesions in those whose diabetes is grossly out of control. Staphylococcal bacterial infections and candidal yeast infections are seen with increased frequency in diabetic persons. Diabetes is also associated with a variety of other cutaneous and medical conditions. NeurofibromatosisThe presence of sharply marginated, light brown patches (cafe-au-lait patches) is often the first clue to the presence of von Recklinghausen’s disease . In late childhood or during the teenage years, axillary freckling and cutaneous neurofibromas begin to develop. The latter are soft, smooth-surfaced, peduncuated papules 0.5 to 2 cm in diameter. They vary in number from several to hundreds and are distributed randomly over the trunk and extremities. Patients with the most severe forms of neurofibromatosis may develop large, grotesque, sack-like plexiform neuromas. A small proportion of these latter lesions undergo sarcomatous degeneration. Tuberous SclerosisThe earliest sign of tuberous sclerosis is generally the presence of small, faint white, oval patches (ash leaf spots) scattered randomly on the trunk and extremities . These lesions may be present at birth or may develop in early childhood. One or more thickened skin-colored plaques (shagreen plaques) may appear on the lower back in late childhood. Towards puberty, pinhead-sized, smooth, red, dome-shaped papules (adenoma sebaceum) begin to emerge on the central portion of the face. The upper lip is spared. Such lesions are easily mistaken for acne papules. Finally, in adult life, small, firm, skin-colored, subungual or periungual fibromas may be noted. Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome. This dominantly inherited condition is characterized by the presence of small brown or blackfreckles that appear in clusters on and around the lips and on the fingertips. These pigmentary changes are accompanied by the development of intestinal polyps. Carcinomatous degeneration of these polyps is not common but does occur. Osler-Weber-Reudu SyndromeThis dominantly inherited condition, also known as hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, is characterized by the presence of small, dusky red, clustered manlles on the fingertips, lips, and mucosal surfaces. These macules are composed of multiple telangiectatic vessels that blanch on pressure. Lesions similar to these may also .occur in patients with the CRST (calcification, Raynaud’s phenomenon, scleroderma, and telangiectasia) variant of scleroderma. Patients with this disease have recurrent episodes of epistaxis and gastrointestinal bleeding. Arteriovenous fistulae are sometimes present in the lungs and liver.

Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition that supports loss of coloring, resulting in uneven pale patches of skin. Research states that it is a detailed type of leukoderma manifested characteristically by dipegmentation of epidermis. Clinically, it is distinguished by white macules on the skin that can be few or numerous. It has been proved as a state whereby the immune system is activated to react against and attack the body’s own tissues and may happen next to other diseases such as thyroid disease or pernicious anemia. The customary category of vitiligo is called ‘Vitiligo Vulgaris’ also known as common vitiligo. Alternative types include linear, segmental, trachoma and inflammatory vitiligo. The factual cause of vitiligo is still argued. The condition is principally more obvious externally in individuals with darker skin types. http://www.curevitiligooil.com The clear-cut cause of vitiligo is complex and not known yet. There is evidence that suggest it is caused by an amalgamation of auto-immune, genetic, and environmental factors. But, it has not been proved worldwide. Several people consider having a link between sunburn and vitiligo. A current hypothesis put forward the cause that vitiligo occurs because people develop antibodies that are harmful to the unique cells which produce melanin in the body.There is no precisely sufficient proof as to why the vitiligo skin condition occurs or what causes it. Vitiligo is often found in people who also show signs of diseases relating to autoimmune disorders. These disorders also tend to run in families, which builds up an idea that vitiligo itself is a hereditary problem. But, most people who develop this skin condition are not born with it but extend it in later life. This disease normally has an effect on an estimated 1% of the world’s population. It affects individuals of all ethnic origins and both sexes, but is much more easily observed on darker skin as areas that fail to tan. It is hereditary in one third of those affected. Vitiligo often starts on the hands, feet or face, and frequently pigment loss is progressive. Half the patients first notice vitiligo before 20 years of age. There are certain psychological effects occurring due to this disease. Beauty always assumes blemish free skin. People suffering from such skin disorders like vitiligo experience problems in social connections. The eccentric remarks from strangers are the most unlikable and hurting. It produces low self- esteem and feelings of inferiority and these psychological reactions are not predictable already. The research shows that Vitiligo is a harmful disease that stresses an individual externally and internally i.e. physically and mentally (psychosomatic reactions). For More Information Visit: http://www.curevitiligooil.com/Vitiligo.html

Various methods and remedies are used by the people affected by vitiligo, which range from simple dietary modifications, use of vitamins to ingestion of psoralens. The benefits are as variable as the nature of remedies. The most effective of all among such home remedies is of course the use of psoralens. You can change your dietry habits, and take minarls and vitamins in form of diet an suplements.

Vitamins

Vitiligo has been found to be associated with pernicious anemia, an autoimmune disease in which vitmain B 12 can not be asorbed resukting in severe deficiency of red pigmnt (hemoglobin) in the blood. Similarly Vitamin A is important foe the integrity of the skin, while vitamin C and E improve the immune function of the body. All these vitamins can be taken to improve the denses of the body in general.

Minerals

Zinc is an essential component of many enzyme systems in the body, and its deficiency can lead to malfunctioning of the immune system. Copper is required by the pigment forming cells in the skin to make the brown-black pigment called melanin.It is also required by many parts and cells of the body that take part in the immune function.

The Diet in general

A healthy and well balanced diet shall not only improve the function of all body systems including the immunity and pigment production, there shall be very little need for additional supplement of vitamins and minerals. A group of chemicals called phytochemicals have been proven to augment the capability of recovery and the potential for staying healthy. The following foods contain a variety of natural ingredients that shall help you fight your vitiligo.

Oral Psoralen Therapy

It is used for the treatment of vitiligo both by professional healers as well as by the affected people themselves, in the form of various home remedies. Ingestion of the plant Psoralea corylifolia is the most common home remedy. In this regard. A common recipe is to soak the parts of plant over night in plain water, which is ingested after training through a nuscline cloth.A common example is soaking the planet parts in water over night and drinking the water in the morning.

The remedy is fairly effective when combined with sun exposure, but very few people will continue to use it because of the following reasons.

1. Extremely unpleasant taste

2. Large quantities are usually required for oral intake which is very cumbersome.

3. Intolerance and side effects in form of nausea and allergic symptoms

4. Unwanted over pigmentation of the whole body.

5. The pigmentation is usually temporary which is lost gradually on cessation of treatment.

Topical psoralen therapy:

Application of the medicine on target skin area is a refined and convenient alternative to oral ingestion. It can sensitize the skin even locally, which would subsequently gain color on sun exposure.

Various methods of local applications are recommended by different authorities e.g. extracts, oils and concoctions. In which the substance is used alone or in complex recipes along with other herbal materials.

Anti-Vitiligo which is a topical psoralean remedy for vitiligo treatment contains psoralean corylifolia in the strength of 8% W/W. This combination has yielded almost permanent re-pigmentation compared with the temporary effect of oral psoralin threpy.

Diabetes is a disease that strikes more and more people every day. Most people do not realize that thinning of the hair or baldness is one of the early symptoms of diabetes. With early detection and treatment, hair loss as well as other complications can be avoided. There are many factors leading to the development of diabetes, including stress. Diabetes affects the body on every level and can cause excessive anxiety which is a well known contributor to balding.

Diabetes occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin to help the body metabolize carbohydrate. One issue face by individuals with diabetes is the increased potential for problems with their skin. This is due to poor blood circulation and elevated blood sugar levels. They are more susceptible bruising and injuries that are difficult to heal. The recovery rate for diabetics tends to be slow including hair re-growth. This in turn leads to a noticeable reduction in hair. In addition, diabetics are susceptible bacterial and fungal infections of the scalp which can promote hair loss as well.

Type 1 diabetes is classified as an autoimmune disease and often creates small bald patches on the scalp. This condition is called alopecia areata. It is often accompanied with other health issues including dysfunctional thyroid, a skin condition know as vitiligo which is characterized by the loss of pigment on large patches of skin most commonly on the hands, face and genitalia. Pernicious anemia is also a potential issue for people with diabetes. This is a condition in which the lining of the stomach no longer secretes enough enzymes to allow sufficient absorption of the vitamin B12.

Diabetes often goes undetected because the early symptoms are often over looked and frequently over looked or even ignored by the patient and even physicians. This often leads to serious problems, including blindness, kidney failure and heart disease. Early detection and treatment can slow or arrest the progression of the disease, prevent excessive loss of hair and lead to longer and healthier life. Successful treatment of diabetes requires commitment on the part of the patient to manage their lifestyle and the disease consistently.

Hair loss typically begins with the onset of diabetes and increases in severity as the disease progresses. Early diagnosis of the hair loss and its cause is essential as it may be your body’s way of telling you that something more serious is happening. It is imperative that you seek a physician’s advice concerning your hair loss problem to prevent further hair loss. While lotions and conditioners are readily available, they may not be sufficient to stop you hair loss problem. Consulting with a physician is the best way to get a handle on the situation and treat it properly from the beginning.